edema

noun ede·ma \ i-ˈdē-mə \

|Updated on: 8 Jun 2018

Definition of edema

1 : an abnormal infiltration and excess accumulation of serous fluid in connective tissue or in a serous cavity — called also dropsy

2 a : watery swelling of plant organs or parts

b : any of various plant diseases characterized by such swellings

—

edematous

play \i-ˈde-mə-təs\ adjective

See edema defined for kids

Recent Examples of edema from the Web

Another severe form of altitude sickness is high-altitude pulmonary edema, the accumulation of fluid in the lungs.

— katy scott, CNN, "The dangers of oxygen deprivation on Everest," 4 June 2018
The edema can occur hours or even days after the initial contact with water.

— salil pradhan, md, USA TODAY, "Ask a Doc: What's the difference between dry drowning and secondary drowning?," 1 June 2018
The appropriate times to ice are after a new injury, if edema (swelling) is present, or after activity (exercise).

— kristen mc david, pta, Cincinnati.com, "Should I use heat or ice when it hurts?," 7 May 2018
Digestion stops, climbers can suffer crippling headaches, and fluid build up in the brain or lungs (cerebral and pulmonary edemas) can become fatal.

— Time, "The Ethics of Climbing Everest: Double Amputee Xia Boyu’s Feat Fuels Debates About Who Belongs on the Roof of the World," 3 Apr. 2018
The drug is also used to treat edema (fluid retention) caused by various medical problems, including heart, kidney, and liver disease, according to WebMD.

— stefan stevenson, star-telegram, "Mariners' Robinson Cano suspended 80 games for PED use | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 15 May 2018
But its most deadly side effect is triggering a pulmonary edema by filling lungs with fluid.

— david hambling, Popular Mechanics, "These Are Syria's Chemical Weapons. Here's How To Destroy Them," 13 Apr. 2018
The association said the potential side effects of ingesting detergent are seizure, pulmonary edema, respiratory arrest, coma and death. . . . . .

— marie simoneaux, NOLA.com, "Police investigating shooting in the 7th Ward: NOPD," 10 Feb. 2018
If eaten in high enough levels, the poisons can lead to lethal fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema).

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "Two women lost their hair after eating toxic, bitter squash, doctors report," 7 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'edema.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of edema

New Latin, from Greek oidēma swelling, from oidein to swell; akin to Armenian aytnu- swell, Old English ātor poison

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

Medical Dictionary

edema

noun ede·ma

variants: or chiefly British oedema play \i-ˈdē-mə\

medical Definition of edema

plural edemas also edemata \-mət-ə\

: an abnormal excess accumulation of serous fluid in connective tissue or in a serous cavity — called also dropsy

Learn More about edema

See words that rhyme with edema Spanish Central: Translation of edema Nglish: Translation of edema for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of edema for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about edema

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up edema? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

edema

Definition of edema

edematous

Recent Examples of edema from the Web

Origin and Etymology of edema

Other Medicine Terms

Medical Dictionary

edema

medical Definition of edema

Learn More about edema

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

quail

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Words We're Watching: 'B side'

Can You Use 'Comprised of'?

Words We're Watching: '-iversary'

'Franchise': Profit from Freedom

Ask the Editors

Ghost Word

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Name More Food!

Yearbook Superlatives Quiz

Spell It

Word Winder's CrossWinder

Words We're Watching: 'B side'

Trending: DOJ Describes Comey as 'Insubordinate'

Name More Food!

9 Words for Transnational Currencies

Ghost Word

edema

Definition of edema

edematous

Recent Examples of edema from the Web

Origin and Etymology of edema

Other Medicine Terms

Medical Dictionary

edema

medical Definition of edema

Learn More about edema

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Words We're Watching: 'B side'

Trending: DOJ Describes Comey as 'Insubordinate'

Name More Food!

9 Words for Transnational Currencies

Ghost Word